Neuromuscular release therapy device, system and methods

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are neuromuscular release (including myofascial trigger point) therapy devices, systems, kits and methods. The therapy tool comprises a body, wherein the body includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a tip defined at the upper-most portion of the body, a base, a stop surface defined in the body outer surface, a pocket defined by the inner surface and extending from the base upwards in the direction of the tip, and a recessed groove defined in the inner surface and extending upwards from the base and having a groove diameter and depth. The body can be generally bell-shaped with the base having a larger diameter than the tip. The system can further include a riser, either disk or wedge shaped, and a rocker base. The system components are configured to stack and nest into a compact assembly for easy carrying as a kit.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/226,241, filed Sep. 6, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/379,924, filed Sep. 3, 2010, andboth of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to neuromuscular release (includingmyofascial trigger point) therapy devices, systems and methods. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to compact, modular andadjustable neuromuscular release devices, systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Neuromuscular release (including myofascial trigger point) (hereinaftergenerally referred to as “trigger point”) therapy is a method oftreating pain that is popular and gaining in popularity; it is commonlyused by physical and massage therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors totreat musculoskeletal pain. It comprises the sustained pressure of thehand, finger(s), knee, elbow, foot, or tool on a myofascial triggerpoint (‘trigger point’), a localized and usually exquisitely tender areain a tendon or muscle that “triggers” the pain felt by the sufferer. Thelocation of the trigger point can coincide with the perceived pain, orcan be distant (referred pain). When pressure is applied to the triggerpoint, the perceived pain usually increases in intensity briefly, andthen with continued sustained pressure gradually starts to dissipateuntil it completely disappears. This process usually takes 20 to 90seconds and is dependent on the intensity and duration of the pain, thedepth and acuity of the pressure applied, as well as the familiarity ofthe sufferer with this form of treatment and the need to actively relaxthe area, partially by using deep, relaxing breathing. The effect of thepain relief is usually prolonged by the utilization of stretchingexercises performed in the muscle-tendon unit involved immediately afterthe trigger point release intervention, and postural correctionexercises aimed at preventing the recurrence of the pain. Repeating thisprocess on a regular basis helps to prevent pain recurrence untilergonomic and postural corrections take effect.

The pain sufferer will also benefit from more frequent use of suchinterventions. The pain sufferer would do well to use self-treatmenttools on a regular basis (daily or every other day) to maintainmusculotendinous units in their normal functioning status, rather thanbeing dependent on frequent and expensive visits to a medicalprofessional for formal interventions of this nature.

Conventionally available to permit individuals to self-treat myofascialtrigger points are tools, including canes, balls and rollers,board-mounted probes, and hand-held probes.

Canes are used to apply pressure to a trigger point and most areas ofthe body are accessible by the user. However, the user must applypressure to the point with sufficient pressure to “release” the triggerpoint, but also within comfort levels, while simultaneously relaxing thearea being treated. This can be a difficult process, particularly whentreating areas in or around the upper extremities which are being usedto exert the force. In some cases, a cane can be used as a lever; theuser would lie on the tip of the cane and then rotate the handle toapply force at the tip into the trigger point. In this instance, theuser still needs to apply exertion to the tool to effect the desiredpressure, which can be neurologically confusing, since the user isattempting to relax the area (a process of inhibiting neural activationat the level of the spinal cord) while exerting force (a process ofstimulation at the level of the spinal cord). Canes are bulky andunwieldy instruments and are conspicuous in professional or officesituations. Only a few of the uses of the cane are intuitive, and theuser is reliant on an owner's manual to learn to use the cane to treatdifficult-to-reach places. Commercially available canes include theThera Cane™, The BackKnobber™ and The Body Back Buddy™.

Balls and rollers have a broad contour, which can be sub-optimal inreaching a specific trigger point and it can be difficult to modulatethe intensity of the pressure applied to the trigger point. Variousballs including tennis, golf, lacrosse and racket balls are used.Commercially available balls include the Trigger Point Massage Ball™ andthe Myo-Therapy Ball™. Commercially available bands include the TriggerPoint Quadroller™. When desiring to penetrate deeper into the area of atrigger point, the sufferer would look to use a larger ball, which inturn has a larger contour. The dilemma of using a ball therefore resultsin a decision regarding depth and acuity, and the sufferer cannot haveboth with this choice.

Hand-held probes are effective in treating pain using the myofascialtrigger point release techniques but, for self-treatment, certain areasof the body are difficult or impossible to reach effectively, renderingthe user dependent on a helper, or frustrated at being unable toadequately reach an awkward area. In addition, in similar fashion to thecane, self-treatment may require one set of muscles to be activated (toapply the pressure) while the sufferer is simultaneously attempting torelax the affected area. This is particularly difficult when the musclegroups are in close proximity, as described above. This often leaves theuser frustrated at the inadequacy of the tool, which is unfortunatesince it is rather the circumstances of the tool's use that isinadequate. Some hand-held probes can be used to relieve pain with theuser lying on the probe. However, the probe's height and angle and,depending on the design of the tool, the contour are fixed and, as aresult, the probe may be too high or low, too large or small, or at aninconvenient angle relative to the trigger point being treated,especially when pressure is applied to the thin muscle overlying theribs in a lean user, or to the occiput. Commercially available probesinclude the Hand-L™, the Jackknobber™ and the Knobbler™.

The board mounted systems comprise a platform and rubber tips coveringvarious lengths of dowel that can be inserted into the board at varyingangles. This affords the user the ability to select the number, angle,position and height of the probe(s). The probes have various contours(diameter of the probe). Board devices are cumbersome and conspicuousand the many and varied choices of operation can be daunting andconfusing. People who have used these systems have commented favorablyabout the benefit of being able to lie on the device without exertingforce, thereby enhancing the relaxation effects of the tool.Commercially available systems include: the Fenix Rehab System™ and theRecapitulator™.

However, there remains a need for a trigger point therapy device, systemand method that allows an individual the ability to self-treat triggerpoints completely independently in a fashion that fosters completerelaxation, as may be the case when the user is able to lie on or leanagainst the tool or device, which provides the user simple choices interms of size and height, and which is easily transported and used inconspicuous areas, such as in an office.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a trigger pointtherapy device, system, kit and method. In one embodiment, the triggerpoint therapy system comprises a tool. The tool comprises a body,wherein the body includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a tipdefined at the upper-most portion of the body, a base, a stop surfacedefined in the body outer surface, a pocket defined by the inner surfaceand extending from the base upwards in the direction of the tip, and arecessed groove defined in the inner surface and extending upwards fromthe base and having a groove diameter and depth. The body can begenerally bell-shaped with the base having a larger diameter than thetip. The system can further include a riser, either disk or wedgeshaped, and a rocker base. The system components are configured to stackand nest into a compact assembly for easy carrying as a kit.

The detailed technology and preferred embodiments implemented for thesubject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanyingthe appended drawings for people skilled in this field to wellappreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood thatthe features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented onhereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but alsoin other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a neuromuscular release therapy device accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a neuromuscular release therapy device accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a neuromuscular releasetherapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a neuromuscular release therapy deviceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a neuromuscular releasetherapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a base for a neuromuscular releasetherapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a base for a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a base for a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a base for a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of a base for a neuromuscularrelease therapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a base for a neuromuscular releasetherapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a base for a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a top view of a base for a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a base for a neuromuscular release therapydevice according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of a base for a neuromuscularrelease therapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of stacked bases for a neuromuscularrelease therapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of stacked bases for a neuromuscularrelease therapy device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a top view of a neuromuscular release therapy device stackedon bases according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a top view of a neuromuscular release therapy device stackedon bases according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a stacked neuromuscular releasetherapy kit according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of the use of a neuromuscular release therapykit according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 32 is an illustration of the use of a neuromuscular release therapykit according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a strap attachment ring according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a side view of a strap attachment ring according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of a strap attachment ring according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a strap attachment ring combined with atherapy tool according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a cushion for a strap attachment ringaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of roller attachment component accordingto certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explainedwith reference to example embodiments thereof. However, these exampleembodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to anyspecific example, embodiment, environment, applications or particularimplementations described in these example embodiments. Therefore,description of these embodiments is only for purpose of illustrationrather than to limit the present invention. It should be appreciatedthat, in the following embodiments and the attached drawings, elementsunrelated to the present invention are omitted from depiction; anddimensional relationships among individual elements in the attacheddrawings are illustrated only for ease of understanding, but not tolimit the actual scale.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, a trigger point therapy tool 100 is shown.The tool comprises a body 100 including an outer circumferential surface102 that generally resembles a cone. However is can be seen incross-section that the outer surface is substantially sinusoidal orbell-curved. It should be understood that the surface profile can bestraight ribbed or varied in other manners without departing from thescope of the invention. The top or upper most portion the tool 100presents a rounded tip 104. The tip can be rounded as shown, polyhedralor other suitable shape for applying therapy to the patient. The bottomportion of the tool 100 forms a base 106. The base is wider than thediameter of the tip. The base profile can also be varied, such ascircular, as shown in the drawings, square, polyhedral, or anothershape, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Adjacent the base is a groove or stop surface 108 that circumscribes theouter surface. The stop surface 108 functions as an engaging surface foradditional components of a system or kit as will be described later inthis specification. The stop surface 108 may be flat or horizontalplane. However other orientations and shapes can be used that accomplishthe function as will be described later herein.

The tool 100 further comprises an inner surface 110. The inner surface110 is recessed upwards form the plane of the base 106 to form a pocket112. The pocket provides clearance for stacking multiple components aswill be described later. The recess also reduces the volume of materialneeded to form the tool 100. By doing so, the weight and cost of thetool 100 are reduced.

The inner surface 110 further can include a recessed groove 114. Therecessed groove circumscribes the inner surface 110 and is shaped andsized complimentary to the stop surface 108 to facilitate stablestacking of various system components.

FIGS. 6-10 and 11-15, respectively, illustrate additional exampleembodiments of the tool 100. FIGS. 6-10 show the tip 104 being of alarger radius than the one shown in FIGS. 1-5. FIGS. 11-15 show the tip104 being of a larger radius than the one shown in FIGS. 6-10.Increasing the tip radius spreads the force of the tool over a largerarea, thereby reducing the penetration of the tool force felt by thepatient. Conversely, reducing the tip radius increases the penetrationfelt by the patient. Tool tips of up to 3 inches in diameter have beenfound to be suitable. In such example, the base width would becorrespondingly up to 4 inches. Example tip sizes are ⅜ inch, ½ inch and¾ inches. However, all of the dimensions herein are merely exemplary andare not intended to restrict the dimensions or scale of the invention,except where specific dimensions are explicitly recited in the claims.

Tools can be marked with an indication of the penetration force, e.g.Regular, Strong and Extra Strong, or color coded to aid the patient inselecting the correct tool or differentiating more easily between toolsof differing strengths.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-20, a rocker base tool 116 is shown. Therocker base tool 116 comprises a dished upper surface 118 and a roundedor concave bottom surface 120. The upper surface 118 of the rocker base116 is generally planar or other orientation that is complimentary tothe plane of the base surface 106 of the therapy tool 100 andcomplimentary to the plane of the bottom surfaces of other systemcomponents that will be described in this specification. A flange 122can extend upwards from the upper surface 118. The flange 118 isgenerally circumferential and includes an inner circumferential surface124 and an outer circumferential surface 126. The height of the flange122 is approximately the same as the depth of the recessed groove 114 inthe tool 100 or the recessed groove in the other system components. Thediameter of the outer circumferential surface 126 is approximately thesame as the circumferential diameter of the recessed groove 114 in thetool 100 or the recessed groove in the other system components. Anupwardly facing stop surface 127 portion of the top surface extendsoutwardly of the outer surface of the flange 122. Thus stacking ofvarious components is facilitated. The curved bottom surface 120 isgenerally smooth and contiguous to aid in rocking on various surfaces,including carpeting, flooring, chairs and walls.

Referring to FIGS. 21-25, a wedge base component 128 is shown. The wedgebase 128 comprises an upper surface 130, a bottom surface 132, acircumferential outer surface 134 and an inner surface 136. The uppersurface 130 is generally planar and is oriented at an acute angle withrespect to the plane of the bottom 132. A raised flange or surface 138extends upwardly from the upper surface to a height approximately thesame as the depth of the recessed groove 114 in the tool 100 or therecessed groove in the other system components. The diameter of theflange or raised surface 138 is approximately the same as thecircumferential diameter of the recessed groove 114 in the tool 100 orthe recessed groove in the other system components. Thus stacking ofvarious components is facilitated. A recessed groove 146 and a stopsurface 144 further supports an adjacent component in a stackedconfiguration.

The outer surface can be provided with a registration indicator 140 toprovide an indication to the user of the relative orientation of systemcomponents. The inner surface is recessed to form a pocket 142 ofsufficient depth and diameter to receive the flange or raised surface138 of another base 128 or flange 122 of a rocker base component 116.

The upper surface 130 can also be horizontal or parallel to the plane ofthe bottom surface 132. In such configuration, the wedge forms a riserdisk component.

Referring to FIGS. 26-27, two wedge bases 128 are shown in stackedarrangement. In FIG. 26, the top wedge is turned 180 degrees withrespect to the rotational orientation of the bottom wedge. Theregistration indicators are thus aligned. This alignment provides for araised horizontal surface on which to stack the therapy tool 100. FIG.27 shows the top wedge turned only ninety degrees relative to the bottomwedge. This can be seen by the top indicator being displaced relative tothe bottom indicator by one-quarter turn. As a result, the plane of thetop surface is angled with respect to the horizon. Rotating the topwedge further or lesser (between 0 and 180 degrees) will produce acorresponding increase or decrease in the angle with respect to thehorizon. Thus the base on which the tool 100 is stacked can be adjustedfor angle to suit the penetration angle desired by the user. The curvedbottom surface 120 is generally smooth and contiguous to aid in rockingon various surfaces, including carpeting.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show the stacked wedges of FIGS. 26-27, respectively,with a tool 100 stacked on top to illustrate the angling functionprovided by the wedge components as part of a system.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a system of multiple components is shown in acompact stack to illustrate additional aspects of the invention. Thestacked system here includes three therapy tools, wherein each memberhas a different tip radius, two wedges and a rocker base. The nestingfeature of these components can be seen clearly in this figure. Thenesting and feature of the respective grooves, stop surfaces and pocketsof the various components provides for the compact storage and transportof a collection of components that are referred to as the therapy system150. The therapy system can include more or fewer components within thescope of the invention. The collection of components can also bereferred to as a kit, and may include a set of written instructions anda carrying pouch or bag.

The therapy tools, stacking components and bases described herein can beused to treat trigger points in as many body areas as can be feasiblyreached in a reclined (supine, prone, side-lying, or variations of theabove), seated or standing positions. It can also be placed between theuser and a chair, wall or other firm surface, affording the user theability to lean against the tool to apply pressure to the trigger point.Adding flat disks (or wedge disks with complimentary registration)increases the height of the probe and acuity of the treatment, adding asloped disk or disks changes the angle at which the probe can addressthe area of treatment, which can be varied when two sloped disks arestacked and rotated relative to one-another. It is to be understood thatthe system and treatment method described herein is not restricted toonly the described exemplary uses and methods.

Referring to FIG. 31, the tool 100 is shown stacked on one horizontaldisk placed on a flat surface, such as a floor. The user is in thesupine position, with the tools or probes positioned on muscles oneither side of the upper back. In FIG. 32, the user is in asemi-reclined position, with the probes or tools positioned under thepiriformis muscle in the buttock.

The user, optionally with the help of a therapist, selects the tool tipsize (usually commencing with a largest size), stack height and angle tobest apply pressure to the trigger point. The user places the tool (orstacked components) on a flat, firm, stable surface. The user or thetherapist locates the first trigger point to be treated. The user lieson the tool bringing the probe in contact with the trigger point. Theuser then allows body weight to settle onto the point, whileconcentrating on relaxation and the sensation of the trigger point beingtreated. A feeling of decreased pain and/or tension in the area of thetrigger point indicates successful “release” of the trigger point andthe user can then seek out another trigger point in the same area. Thisprocess can be repeated several times in the same area, though not onthe same trigger point. The user may need to adjust the probe size,stack height and probe angle, or add probes as desired depending on thesuccess of the original choice of probe, and comfort level.

A recommended, though not limiting, sequence of decisions regardingprobe size and height for first time users is as follows:

1. Select the largest-tipped probe and use the probe alone (nostacking).

2. Bring the probe into contact with the trigger point.

3. Stack the probe on one disk and then another as needed, based on thedesire to penetrate deeper into the muscular and/or tendinous tissue,and within reasonable comfort levels. Utilize the wedge components in astack as desired.

4. Utilize more than one tool to treat more than one trigger pointsimultaneously as desired. For example, the paraspinal muscles on eachside of the spine, or at the occiput (muscular attachments at the baseof the skull). Angled probe orientations for the vertical would bepreferable in this instance. The probes may be rotated on the wedgebases, or on another sloped disk, to change the angle of the forceapplication.

5. Select a smaller-tipped probe as dictated by the need to penetratedeeper into the muscular and/or tendinous tissue to effect suitabletrigger point pressure within reasonable comfort levels. Larger probesshould be used for trigger points that are more superficial, tender, orwhere there is less adipose tissue to penetrate. They should also beused where significant body weight may engage the probe, such as theback or buttocks. Smaller-tipped probes are preferably used for smallermuscle groups and/or lighter pressure, such as the hands or feet.

Additional features can be provided to the system that enhances itstherapeutic effects. For example, a vibrating element can be disposedinside of the tool, or a vibrating tool can be provided. Similarly aheating or a cooling element can be provided to the tool, or the toolcan be heated or cooled. The tips of the probes may also be configuredto deliver various waveforms of direct current (DC) therapeutic electricstimulation to the user.

An optional strap attachment allows users to reach and treat triggerpoints in additional relaxed ways. Also, the strap can be used togenerate leverage using the power muscles of the leg and torso toincrease the force exerted on certain trigger points. Such use is notreliant on the strength of the user and enables the user to focus onrelaxed breathing. The strap attachment comprises a length of flexiblestrap with an attachment feature that is configured to secure the toolto the strap.

Referring to FIGS. 33-37, a generally disk-shaped, donut-shaped orring-shaped strap attachment can be used to secure the therapy tool to astrap. The attachment ring 160 comprises a dished receiving insidesurface 162 and an outer surface 163. An upwardly extending portion ofthe outer surface forms a sidewall 164. Opposing parts of the sidewallinclude slots 166 through which the strap 168 can be threaded. Thisallows adjustability of the placement of the tool for the user and alsoallows the tool to be worn like a belt. The strap can also be usedlooped around the knee or foot of the user, seated in cross-legged orlong-sitting positions respectively to enable pressure applicationwithout relying on upper extremity strength, and simultaneouslyaffording relaxation of the user. FIG. 36 illustrates the tool 100attached to the ring 160 with the tip 104 of the tool extending upwardsfrom the inside surface. Alternatively, a cushion 170, shown in FIG. 37,can be placed against the inside surface of the ring and the tip of thetool can be inserted through a hole or aperture 172 in the ring so thatthe tip protrudes outwardly from the bottom surface.

Referring to FIG. 38, a roller component 172 is shown. The rollerattachment 172 comprises a curved outer surface 174 and a generally flatbase 176. The base can also be curved. One or more apertures 178 aredefined in the curved outer surface and configured to receive the baseof one or more neuromuscular release therapy tools, including thosedisclosed in this specification. For example, the base 106 of tool 100shown in FIGS. 1-15 can be securely placed in the aperture 178. Then theuser can roll the target body part over the tool. In one alternativeconfiguration, the apertures can be configured as one or more slots toprovide the use with additional adjustability. More than onelongitudinal row of apertures or slots can also be provided.

There are many features and advantages of certain embodiments of thetrigger point therapy system 150. The system combines the reach andleverage of shepherd's crook-based devices with the simplicity of ahand-held device. The system does not rely for efficacy on a user'sstrength, reach, agility or flexibility. The system can be used withouta partner; it is designed to be lain, leant, sat on, or used with astrap or roller attachment. The system is compact, discrete, lightweightand multi-purpose. The system allows users to apply acute, accurate andfinely calibrated pressure to soft-tissue without making extreme demandson their strength, endurance, agility or stamina. The pressure appliedto soft tissue can be increased without losing acuity. This is incontrast to balls and rollers: using a larger ball or roller to increasepressure results in a loss of acuity due to the increased radius of theball or roller. The bell curve shape allows the tip or point of theprobe to be placed in close proximity to bone. By contrast balls androllers are convex, making it impossible to reach some areas of softtissue with these other devices.

In certain embodiments, the system has three degrees of freedom: theforce, acuity and angle of inclination of the pressure applied to thesoft tissue can all be varied independent of one another. Force isconfigured via the nesting facility, the stacking disks, the rockerbottom and the strap and roller attachments. Force can be increased orreduced without a change in effort on the part of the user, unlikeconventional trigger-point therapy devices. The acuity of the pressurecan be varied by selecting different tip sized probes. Acuity thus canbe adjusted without affecting force or inclination. The angle ofinclination between the probe and the soft tissue can be varied byrotating two stacker wedge disks relative to one another, or by usingthe rocker bottom. Thus inclination can be varied without affectingforce or acuity.

The tool and components can be leant, lain, or sat on or used with astrap or roller attachment to allow users to relax and concentrate ontheir breathing, two key ingredients to successful neuromuscularrelease, rather than focus on applying pressure to the tool. This is incontrast with many other tools, such as balls and rollers, for example,which require a degree of physical strength on the part of the user.

The accuracy with which force can be applied and the high degree of usercontrol allows users to confidently treat soft tissue that they mightfeel uncomfortable treating with a less subtle tool or the interventionof a therapist, for example the pelvic floor muscles.

The modular system facilitates the incremental addition of features andcomponents without necessitating the user to replace their existingsystem.

The system permits the user to vary pressure (force per unit area) tosoft tissue. “Force” can be adjusted by varying position (lying down,sitting, standing) and height, and “unit area” could be adjusted byselecting different sizes of probe (or probe tip sizes).

The system can also be used to apply pressure to length and tensionsensors buried within muscles and tendons known as muscle spindles andGolgi tendon organs respectively. These neuromuscular structurescontinuously relay information to the spinal cord to effect changes inmuscle activation, thereby impacting muscular performance in terms ofspeed, power and length of muscle.

The system only requires a minimal set-up time. It is easy to keepclean. It is intuitive and easy to use. Moreover, the system is robust.For example, conical and bell-shaped probes or tools are inherentlystrong and demonstrate a high degree of stability when lain, sat orleant on.

The various components can be formed using conventional materials andmanufacturing methods. For example, various plastics, rubber, rubberizedmetal, ceramics, composites or other suitable materials that resistdeformation can be employed. The components can be formed, for example,using conventional processes, such as injection molding. Those skilledin the art will recognize that other materials and processes can beemployed without departing from the scope of the invention.

The above disclosure is related to the detailed technical contents andinventive features thereof. People skilled in this field may proceedwith a variety of modifications and replacements based on thedisclosures and suggestions of the invention as described withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof. Nevertheless, although suchmodifications and replacements are not fully disclosed in the abovedescriptions, they have substantially been covered in the followingclaims as appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of joining components of a neuromuscularrelease therapy system, the system comprising a two or more therapytools, a riser and a base, the method comprising: nesting the first toolagainst the inner surface of the second tool; inserting an upwardlyextending flange of the riser into a recessed groove of the second tool;and inserting an upwardly extending flange of the base into a recessedgroove of the riser.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdisposing the nested and inserted tools, riser and base in a carryingcontainer.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond tools define a base diameter and a tip diameter, wherein the basediameter is greater than the tip diameter.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein each of the first and second tools is generally bell-shaped. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second tools definea tip diameter, and wherein the tip diameter of the first tool is largerthan the tip diameter of the second tool.
 6. A method of providingneuromuscular release therapy, comprising: disposing a first tool atop afirst riser, the first riser defining an upper plane and a lower planewherein the upper plane intersects the lower plane; disposing the firstriser atop a second riser, the second riser defining an upper plane anda lower plane wherein the upper plane intersects the lower plane; androtating axially the first riser relative to the second riser to changethe angle of inclination of a tip of the first tool.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising disposing the second riser atop a rockerbase, the rocker base including a curved bottom surface.
 8. The methodof claim 6, further comprising locating the first tool relative to auser in a semi-reclined position such that the first tool is under apiriformis muscle in the user's buttock.
 9. The method of claim 6,further comprising locating the first tool relative to a user in asupine position such that the first tool is positioned adjacent to amuscle in the user's upper back.
 10. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising selecting the tip diameter for the first tool to alter atherapy penetration depth.
 11. The method of claim 6, further comprisingrestraining lateral movement of the first tool with respect to the firstriser by disposing a raised upper surface portion of the first riserinto a recess defined in a bottom surface of the first tool.
 12. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising restraining lateral movement ofthe first riser with respect to the second riser by disposing a raisedupper surface portion of the second riser into a recess defined in abottom surface of the first riser.
 13. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising securing a strap to the first tool.
 14. A method of providingneuromuscular release therapy, comprising: disposing a first tool atop afirst riser, the first tool defining a base diameter and a tip diameter,wherein the base diameter is greater than the tip diameter; andrestraining lateral movement of the first tool with respect to the firstriser by disposing a raised upper surface portion of the first riserinto a recess defined in a bottom surface of the first tool.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising disposing the first riser atop arocker base, the rocker base including a curved bottom surface.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising restraining lateral movement ofthe first riser with respect to the rocker base by disposing a raisedupper surface portion of the rocker base into a recess defined in abottom surface of the first riser.
 17. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising locating the first tool relative to a user in a semi-reclinedposition such that the first tool is under a piriformis muscle in theuser's buttock.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising locatingthe first tool relative to a user in a supine position such that thefirst tool is positioned adjacent to a muscle in the user's upper back.19. The method of claim 14, further comprising selecting the tipdiameter for the first tool to alter a therapy penetration depth. 20.The method of claim 14, further comprising securing a strap to the firsttool.